Andrew Mackie is expecting plenty of banter between Steve Johnson and his former teammates when the Cats take on Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Sunday.
“He’s probably got the notebook out, writing a few [sledges] down now,” Mackie joked during a press conference at Simonds Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.
“He’s good fun. He’s quite quick-witted with that sort of stuff.
“Hopefully we’re having a laugh at the end of the game.”
Mackie and Johnson were quite close during Stevie J’s 14 seasons at the Cattery.
The two were even housemates for a number of years.
But Mackie was coy on whether he has any A-grade sledges lined up for his old friend.
“I go in with a game plan just to win the game of footy,” he said.
“We always try and win the game of footy first and foremost, but you’ve got to have a bit of fun out there as well.”
The 32-year-old made his official debut for the Giants last weekend, tallying 23 disposals and two goals in the narrow loss to Melbourne at the MCG.
Johnson was criticised for some elements of his performance against the Demons, but Mackie expects him to be right on his game for his first meeting with the Cats.
“It’s going to be a strange thing for Stevie,” he said.
“Obviously he’s a champion of our club and he’s got some great relationships with a lot of us.
“But we’re professional AFL footballers. Every weekend we try and go out and prove to ourselves and our teammates what we’re made of.
“I don’t expect any different from Steve this week.”
Steve Johnson in action for the Giants against Melbourne in round one
